Study a Master of Sustainable Development Goals – MSDG

The Master of Sustainable Development Goals focuses on the theory and practice of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme addresses the most pressing imperative facing humanity and the planet: sustainability. This degree is unique in Australasia.

 

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The SDGs are the UN’s ambitious macro-level plan for humankind’s development and sustainability. The goals address global challenges including those related to poverty and inequality, climate and environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.

 

Follow your interests

You’ll take two core courses in sustainable development. The first will introduce you to theories of sustainable development and the SDGs. The second will focus on multi-disciplinary frameworks. You’ll learn how to measure progress against the SDGs and the paradigms of indigenous knowledge and practice.

 

Specialisations

Each specialisation has contemporary relevance to local, national, regional and global wellbeing. These practical taught courses focus on you as a practitioner, working in an area related to sustainable development.

 

A new Climate Action specialisation is starting in 2024. This specialisation is offered both online and on campus (in Palmerston North) and can be completed in 18 months full-time or over 3 years part-time, with new enrolments accepted both in January and July.

 

The Climate Action specialisation will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to work within the field of climate change, mitigation and adaptation. Students will study both indigenous and social sciences approaches to Climate Action and their interaction with policy, governance and international and local responses.

 

Real-world research

The final component of your degree is a research practicum. You’ll identify an organisation with which to work towards policies or practices guided by the SDG framework in your subject area. You’ll then conduct research on, and analyse the sustainable development work, undertaken by that organisation.